Paramotor

Paramotor is a generic name for the propulsive portion of a powered paraglider. It consists of a frame that combines the motor, propeller, harness (with integrated seat) and cage. It provides two attachment points for the risers of a paraglider wing that allows for powered flight. Innovative designs include protective airbag harness, Fuel in frame system as well as thumb activated throttle.

The term was first used by Englishman Mike Byrne in 1980 [cite book | last = Goin | first = Jeff | editor = Dennis Pagen | title = The Powered Paragliding Bible | pages = 253 | year = 2006 | isbn = 0-9770966-0-2 | ] and popularized in France around 1986 when La Mouette began adapting power to the then-new paraglider wings.

Pilots who fly these engage in Paramotoring, also known as Powered paragliding.

Engines used are almost exclusively small two-stroke types, between 80cc and 350cc, that burn mixed automotive fuel and oil. These engines are favored for their high output power and light weight. At least one manufacturer is producing a 4-stroke model and Electrically powered units are on the horizon. Csaba Lemak created the first electric PPG, flying it first on June 13, 2006. [cite web | url=http://www.marksparaglidingpages.com | title = Marks Paragliding Pages | work = First Electric PPG | publisher = Mark Andrews | date = 2006-06-13 | accessdate = 2007-01-25] [cite web | url=http://www.ElectricPPG.com | title = Electric PPG Questions | work = Electric Paramotor Website | publisher = Airhead Creations | date = 2006-06-25 | accessdate = 2007-01-25] Flight duration for electrics is considerably shorter.

The pilot controls thrust via a hand-held throttle and steers using the paraglider's brake toggles similar to sport parachutists.

References

See also

*Powered paragliding Article on flying a paramotor and the sport of powered paragliding.
*Powered Hang Glider Article on powered hang gliding.
*Paragliding - Many of the flight principles outlined there also apply to paramotoring.